Holdsworth-Jumbo day out

 Another day out with good friends and tramping aficionados; Nick and Missy Smith.

Today's plan was simple, a quick loop around the Holdsworth-Jumbo circuit.  Nick and Missy had been to Powell Hut before, but not the new hut, and neither had been to the summit for the views over the central Tararua Range. 

Nick and Missy had spent Saturday walking into, and back from, Sayer Hut via the Mangatarere Valley, so they'd already had a good leg-stretcher.  And with Saturday night involving and ale or two along with a Bruichladdich "The Classic Laddie" and Laphroaig single malt, we didn't depart the carpark until a bit after 0800. 

We could see a bit of fast moving cloud above Powell, but it was tee-shirt weather to the hut. 

Powell Hut 

Heading to Holdsworth summit in a strengthening NW-er.

Nick above Powell, with views over the Wairarapa Valley. 

View north to Mt Holdsworth.

We try and 'up-skill' ourselves on plants and birds each trip we do together, so here's a few alpine plants (identified post trip unfortunately). I think this is the 'at risk' hebe Veronica Evenosa which is common to the central and southern Tararua only.

Alpine Cushion Plant (I hope!).

And the North Island Edelweiss.

Nick also identified the Shining Cuckoo (by song) later in the day, which we confirmed once home with access to the Birds of NZ website.  

A first summit for Nick and Missy - congratulations!!

Views to the NW weren't there today however to the east over Wairarapa we had superb views. 

The north-wester was working well today, hence the need for jackets, and for the bald amongst us, a beanie.

Leaning into it.

We found a beaut lunch spot on the leeward side of the ridge, just south of the East Holdsworth turnoff.  We sat on piles of dry Red Deer shit and tussock and enjoyed cheese, salami and tomato crackers.  The Smiths out-did us with the addition of avocado, and a flask of tea - very Wellington!!     

From here we quickly made the turn-off and passed by Jumbo Hut and dropped down Raingauge Spur to Atiwhakatu Hut.  We made it back to the car by around 1800.

Another superb outing.